Commenting on the release of the Account Commission’s report on digital progress in Scottish Local Government, Councillor Gail MacGregor COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson, said:

“We welcome the report and the recommendations it sets out. The report makes it clear that significant steps have been taken to progress digital transformation across Local Government. This includes the rapid deployment of digital technologies, under the most of challenging of circumstances that we have seen. It is essential this momentum is built on and further enables support for individuals and communities in the response to COVID-19.

“Meaningful digital transformation is central to delivering better services and improving outcomes for people across Scotland. Local Government will continue to take on a leadership role to drive this forward. The development of a refreshed Digital Strategy for Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government and using the report’s recommendations to support and build on the progress made to date is pivotal. However, the severe financial strains that we continue to see on Council budgets will have direct implications on the scale of our ambitions, fair funding for Local Government is essential to the achievement of a truly digital Scotland.”